KUALA LUMPUR- A halfway house complex will be built by year-end at a cost of RM4 million to provide temporary accommodation for patients and their families who received treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said the construction of the complex which is funded by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) could accommodate up to 400 people at any one time.

"It will focus on patients who come from far away and also the needy. We're in the final discussion stage with HKL and the construction tenders will be opened before the end of this year," he told reporters after presenting Aidilfitri aid to four hospitals, here, today.

The MAIWP's contribution of RM1 million was allocated to HKL, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre of RM300,000 each while Putrajaya Hospital received RM100,000.

Jamil Khir, who is also the MAIWP chairman said the complex would be built adjacent to the Malaysia Medical Centre building in Jalan Pahang, here while the charges for the facilities would be fixed later.

In another development, Jamil Khir said propagating Shia teachings in the country was strictly prohibited.

"We always emphasize that regardless of political party or beliefs, the Shia teachings are not allowed in the country," he said.

Meanwhile, asked about the beauty pageant organisers' proposal to exclude swimsuit segments in the competition to allow Muslim women to participate, Jamil Khir asserted that Muslim women still cannot join beauty pageants.

"The Fatwa does not mention about clothes, it says that beauty pageants are not allowed," he said, adding that the matter would not be compromised.

Earlier, Jamil Khir also visited the hospital's Ophthalmology ward and delivered hampers and cash to 36 patients.

source:mjnenews